Innovative Reclamation Techniques at Mount Milligan Mine
The Mount Milligan Mine demonstrates its dedication to improving conditions and implementing sustainable reclamation practices through several ongoing projects.
The purpose of the reclamation treatment at 15 groundwater well pads in the summer of 2022 was to restore the sites to their natural state and increase habitat complexity for wildlife. The work was carried out by external contractors in partnership with Mount Milligan and involved decompacting the well pad surface, backfilling and recontouring the site, and placing soil material in a loose and heterogenous manner.
As part of the reclamation process, an initial feasibility trial of insect monitoring was conducted in the 2022 field season to determine if insect community development can be used as an early indicator of reclamation success. The insect monitoring program was designed and delivered through an academic partnership with Dr. Jonathan Van Hamme at Thompson Rivers University. The results of the trial are still being analyzed, but they hold great promise for the future of reclamation efforts and the role of insect monitoring in these efforts. The findings of this study will provide valuable insights into the effectiveness of insect monitoring as an indicator of reclamation success and inform future reclamation efforts.
The reclamation treatment and insect monitoring program are aimed at restoring the site to its natural state, increasing habitat complexity and value, and providing insight into the success of the reclamation effort. Both projects highlight Mount Milligan Mine’s commitment to sustainable reclamation practices and its innovative approach to improving the conditions of the site. The results of this project will be monitored and evaluated to determine the effectiveness of these reclamation techniques.